Looking back from the time I was awarded the fellowship in March to now in August, I remember being very excited and anxious to have a flock of my own, then being very tired and worried about making it through the year if no rain had come, then as Market approached I was again excited. I'm truly grateful the monsoon arrived in late July for it gave me the time I needed to weave. It's always a wonder how Navajos-of-old have managed without the modern conveniences of today. Even the trust that the sheep dogs will do their job is a wonder. We use to joke about the sheep dogs eating better than us and now I know why.

It won't be until spring of next year that I'll be shearing wool of my own. I'm grateful to have received the fellowship for it has made my journey possible. It has enable me to create an environment and basis for my weaving and, if he wishes, Michael's weaving. I believe things happen for a reason and for me to get such a difficult start only means I'll succeed at what I set out to do. The challenge is making sheep and weaving a way of life. Thank you to SWAIA and Toyota for having an incentive to make such a transition easier.